Passive smoking in China: contributing factors and areas for future interventions.
- Author:
Shao-Jun MA
1
;
Jun-Fang WANG
;
Cui-Zhu MEI
;
Xue-Fang XU
;
Gong-Huan YANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: China; epidemiology; Data Collection; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Hospitals; Humans; Schools; Smoking; psychology; Social Responsibility; Tobacco; adverse effects; Tobacco Smoke Pollution; adverse effects; prevention & control; statistics & numerical data
- From: Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2007;20(5):420-425
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo reduce tobacco consumption and exposure to passive smoking in China.
METHODSDiscussion consisting of 80 focus groups and 35 interviews were held in three rural intervention counties of Jiangxi, Henan, and Sichuan Provinces. Participants came from hospitals, schools, rural areas, and urban areas.
RESULTSTobacco use and exposure to passive smoking were widely prevalent in the investigated schools, hospitals, county towns, and rural areas. Knowledge of the risks for passive smoking on health is lacking, especially in rural areas. Barriers to the control of tobacco use in public places include reluctance of administrators to implement tobacco control policies, lack of consistent policies, difficulties with regulations and enforcement, and reluctance of non-smokers to exercise their right to clean air.
CONCLUSIONTo curb the current tobacco epidemic in China, tobacco control efforts must focus on reducing exposure to passive smoking. A strategy should be formulated to reduce the factors that contribute to tobacco use and exposure to passive smoking.
